Benjamin Franklin presents a petition to the U. S. House asking that the importation of slaves be stopped immediately. It is the first petition to the House under the newly enacted First Amendment to the Constitution

The Electoral College begins to meet amid fears of a show of force against the election of Abraham Lincoln. General Winfield Scott reinforces the city and the meeting occurs as planned. Vice-president John C. Breckinridge declares Lincoln the winner of the Election of 1860